Caramelized Leek Mushroom Pasta (Printable Version)

A creamy pasta featuring caramelized leeks, mushrooms, and melted Gruyere cheese in a savory sauce.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Pasta

01 - 340 grams fettuccine or linguine

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium leeks, thinly sliced (white and light green parts)
03 - 225 grams cremini mushrooms, sliced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 60 grams fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Liquids

06 - 30 milliliters olive oil
07 - 120 milliliters dry white cooking broth or vegetable stock
08 - 120 milliliters heavy cream

→ Dairy

09 - 100 grams shredded Gruyere cheese

→ Seasonings

10 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - Salt, to taste

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 120 milliliters of pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced leeks and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and golden.
03 - Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
04 - Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Pour in white cooking broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
07 - Gradually add Gruyere cheese, stirring until melted and fully integrated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
08 - Toss cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to reach desired consistency.
09 - Optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. Parmesan or Fontina cheeses can replace Gruyere. Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.